Ongoing financial help from the government, supporting business owners through Covid-19
- 23 July 2020
Coronavirus has caused disruption to all industries across the UK and non must be suffering more sleepless nights than business owners, large or small. However, the government has launched a range of temporary measures to help ease your concerns and support your business throughout this uncertain time. Ensuring you are getting the right financial support and taking full advantage of any funding or assistance on offer could really help businesses get through this unprecedented time.
Coronavirus vs Mortgage Capacity Assessments
- 05 May 2020
How the virus is affecting your divorce negotiations
As we all are aware of by now, Coronavirus is affecting every aspect of our life and for myself, as a Mortgage Capacity Expert, providing individuals going through divorce and separation with detailed and reliable information about their mortgage borrowing capabilities can be challenging.
Mortgage lenders are changing criteria regularly, trying to keep up with the ever changing economic landscape.
The ‘No Mortgage Capacity Assessment’
- 05 March 2019
For those going through financial proceedings for divorce, it is becoming commonplace for the Court to request evidence of capacity to mortgage. Whilst this may be a worthwhile and logical exercise for some, for a number of individuals the prospect of paying for a full report may feel somewhat unfair, especially if their financial circumstances quite obviously deem them unable to secure mortgage lending.
Case study: The reverse Mortgage Capacity Assessment
- 22 August 2018
I have received an increasing number of enquiries recently from individuals and solicitors in need of what I have come to call a ‘Reverse Mortgage Capacity Assessment’. This is where the amount of mortgage lending required is already known and what I am instructed to explore is how much income will be required to achieve the required level of borrowing.
The importance of paying your mortgage and other debt during divorce
- 09 May 2018
During the emotional upheaval of divorce it can be easy to let things slip, but forgetting or refusing to deal with debts and liabilities can have long lasting effects and should never be ignored.
'Silver separators' - could a lifetime mortgage help your divorce?
- 21 March 2018
I have seen an increasing number of enquiries for Mortgage Capacity Assessments from clients going through Divorce who are aged 60 and over in recent months. Whilst Divorce at any time in life is difficult it presents a number of additional and unique challenges for those approaching, or already in retirement.
Personal Finance Society Awards Dinner 2017
- 29 November 2017
Personal Finance Society Awards Dinner 2017.
On Wednesday 22nd November 2017 I had the pleasure of attending this year’s Personal Financial Societies awards dinner at the iconic Roundhouse in Camden. Celebrating the best in the business the PFS did a brilliant job in showcasing the elite in professional financial planning and journalism.
It was an absolute honour to have been chosen as a finalist in the Mortgage and Protection Advice Specialist award. Unfortunately I did not win the award, however, I remain a proud runner-up and a dazzling, glitzy and entertaining night was enjoyed by all.
How could an interest rate rise affect you?
- 01 November 2017
The Bank of England (BOE) monetary policy committee is due to meet tomorrow to discuss interest rates and implement any changes. Predictions of a rate hike are widespread especially since the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, stated that he expects an interest rate rise in the ‘relatively near term’.
Personal Finance Awards 2017 – Mortgage & Protection Advice Specialist of the Year Award
- 12 October 2017
The Personal Finance Awards are being held next month and I am excited to announce that I have been chosen as a finalist for the Mortgage & Protection Advice Specialist of the Year Award.
It has been a busy journey from entry to finalist. For Stage 1 I was required to write a personal statement describing myself, my expertise, qualifications and continued professional development.
Mortgage Capacity Assessments – individuals unable to obtain mortgage lending
- 23 March 2017
In recent weeks I have noticed a significant increase in the number of enquiries for Mortgage Capacity Assessments by individuals who are in no position to obtain mortgage lending. Whilst many of these individuals were already aware of their situation and were simply carrying out an exercise to pacify Court proceedings, it did come as a surprise for some.
Could this be the end of high loan to value mortgage lending?
- 19 October 2016
When calculating mortgage capacity for potential mortgage borrowers, those with low deposits (usually 5%) have, in the past, had very few options where mortgages were concerned. Following the financial crisis in 2008 few mortgage lenders would consider such high Loan to Value mortgages (95% loan with a 5% deposit) and for those who would consider this type of lending and in order to compensate for the increased risk to the lender, higher Interest Rates were charged.
Changes in Stamp Duty Land Tax
- 06 April 2016
The world of Mortgage Capacity Assessments is always changing and this month is no exception – Changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax came into effect on 1st April 2016 which will affect those purchasing Buy to Let properties and second homes. The new rates of SDLT for these purchases are as follows:
What effect will rising interest rates have on those going through divorce?
- 10 November 2015
Many of us, not all of course, have enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle over the last 5 years. For those with high Fixed Rate mortgages ending in this period will have switched to a low variable rate and benefitted from significantly lower mortgage payments.
Case study: The effects of the weekly commute to work
- 16 September 2015
Mortgage Capacity Assessments can be used to explore a range of financial scenarios and provide an accurate, realistic and educated outlook of future mortgage capacity. There are many different ways in which changes to financial circumstances can affect an individual’s ability to obtain a mortgage.
How divorce really affects mortgage capacity
- 15 April 2015
If you are going through divorce and questions affecting your future housing and mortgage needs are being discussed it is likely your legal representative will ask you to find out your mortgage capacity.
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